UK households have been issued an urgent warning about fire safety for September. House fires have many causes, from lit cigarettes to overheated phone chargers to short-circuiting air fryers. However, according to experts, one hazard might rear its head in September. As we move past the sunny days of summer into colder and darker days in Autumn and Winter, we notice a number of changes, including our energy levels and moods.
This is because we typically get less sunlight and fresh air, leading to more fatigue. A group of sleep experts has revealed that this can actually increase the risk of fire. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to all emergency services in the UK by sleep experts at MattressNextDay revealed the staggering number of sleep-related fire incidents in the UK over the last few years, where they are most common and the nature of these accidents.
While autumnal fatigue sets in for many at this time of the year, MattressNextDay said that many Brits might be at risk of falling asleep after lighting candles, using stoves, and lighting fires.
Martin Seeley, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay, said: “The average Brit incurs 32 hours of ‘sleep debt’ (the difference between how much sleep you need and how much you actually get) a month, which can raise the risk of accidents dramatically.”
He added: “It’s key to reduce baseline fatigue by ensuring you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night, as well as sticking to a routine bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
“Accident risk spikes between the low circadian points of 2-6 am and 2-4 pm; therefore, it’s important to be extra cautious when driving, preparing meals, using candles, or portable heaters during these times. If you can’t avoid these times, spot the warning signs of tiredness early.”
The information given to MattressNextDay revealed that emergency services attended 15,836 sleep-related incidents between 2020 and 2025. Police recorded 8,985 incidents, and Fire and Rescue services attended 6,851.
The area with the most incidents attended by police was Hertfordshire, followed by Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire. Across the country, there was one sleep-related emergency every 2.5 hours over the past five years, and almost 60 incidents every week since 2020.
Martin commented: “If you notice yourself frequently yawning, having difficulty focusing, or micronapping (blinking longer than usual), stop what you’re doing immediately.”
